The Vault › All references › Explorer
Explorer · 2011 to 2021
“Polar 216570”
Grade B · 72/100Today's call: Value buy
B: solid, selective. Ranked #106 of 164 references in The Crown Index vault.
| Original retail (2020) | $8,550 |
|---|---|
| Market today | $9,500 – $11,000 |
| Vs original retail | +20% |
| 1-year trend | +1% |
The Explorer II grew to 42mm for its 40th anniversary in 2011 and brought back the bright orange 24-hour hand from the 1971 original. It was the first time in decades the model looked as bold as the cave-exploring watch it started as.
The 3187 movement uses a Parachrom blue hairspring and the Chromalight lume glows blue, a nice detail you only notice in the dark.
Replaced in 2021 by the 226570, which looks almost identical, so this generation trades as a slightly cheaper twin rather than a collected 'last of' reference.
The early Polar dials are known for a lume-plot halo effect that some owners love and some call a flaw. Either way it is the cheapest route into a modern 42mm Explorer II.
Our verdict: B: honest value, not a grower. Buy it to wear; the near-identical successor caps its upside.
| Sizes | 42mm |
|---|---|
| Case & bracelet material | Oystersteel (stainless) |
| Factory bracelet | Oyster |
| Factory bezels | Fixed steel 24-hour |
| Notable dials | White 'Polar'; Black |
| Caliber | 3187 |
| Production | 2011 to 2021 (discontinued) |
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